Can't even find this movie listed at dvdcompare.net much less a feature breakdown.

Basically, I'm looking to upgrade movies I already have to the best available version. Just wondering if there's any point in getting the Korean version of "Il Mare" over the Edko HK release that I already have? -- great movie btw!

thanks.

Check here

Thanks.

It looks like my version should do the trick unless I get desperate about the extras (I do like music videos). I'm not sure about the aspect ratio though -- not that it matters since I only have a basic tv. The picture for the Japanese version looks pretty bad compared to the other 2 in the frame comparisons.

I got the Korean DVD before the HK version was out. I'm happy with it, but based on that comparison, I could've been happy with the HK one. I kinda want the Japanese version though - the picture actually looks better to me... alot better.

A couple of those shots look decent but some of the others look badly washed out.

Geez... the R2 is awesome. Stop posting pics or I'll have to buy it.

I think the R2 just looks washed out compared to the other two... the other two have warmer colors which may look a bit more pleasing to the eye in those shots, but it's really not the natural look for the film. The R2 also has correct proportions and framing. It's obviously a superior set, but up against the other 2 releases it's not immediately apparent to some. The other 2 are sourced from video masters. I'm happy with the Spectrum DVD I have and don't really need to buy the R2, but if I hadn't bought it yet that's the one I'd go with - even at that price.

Wasn't the HK disc supposed to have better subs over the Spectrum release?

That's possible

The SUBS on the Korean Spectrum release are HORRID!!! There's dozen's of lines that are cut off of the screen. I remember reading that the HK subs are ALOT better than the Spectrum release's subs...

The R2j is better but it doesn't have english subs.

You're right... that settles that.

Thanks for the link jeroen.

Like you said, this could be a port of the r2j.

The Spectrum r3k doesn't have DTS. Also there's a curious addition to the special features - a promo from NHK, who is the primary TV broadcasting company in Japan.

I'll pick it up out of curiosity and let you guys know. Interesting that THE UNINVITED is also being released the same day... did CJ Entertainment wait for Spectrum to finish this new IL MARE release?

I went ahead and picked up the new spectrum SE - it appears to indeed have DTS (according to this: http://www.dvd.co.kr/good_view.asp?gd=S0402050004 ). I'm anxious to get it now and watch it again 'for the first time'. The subtitles have also been 'proofread' for the new Spectrum release. Sounds like this could be the difinitive version to get. I'll report back as well.

Trigger, please do. How much does the SE cost, and what is the delivery charge? I've never ordered from DVD.CO.KR before.

yesasia has it for $19.95, free shipping if your order is $39.

Koreandvds.com has it for preorder for $15.00. For those that have purchased from them in the past, how quickly do they ship, good/bad company to purchase from? Thanks in advance.

I bought from yesasia... I haven't ordered from koreandvds.com, but I think people have said it's a good site.

I've bought from KoreanDVDs.com twice. Both times were positive experiences. Good communication. For example, I ordered the Korean R3 of "True Lies" about 2 days before it went on sale. I didn't even know about the sale, but he e-mailed me and said they had revised my order to reflect the lower price. Also, another disc I ordered had shown on the website as being in stock, but it had just gone out of print. He gave me discount on the shipping because of the mistake.

In my experience, YesAsia is usually cheaper, especially if you take advantage of the free shipping. Also, for the last year or so, they've been throwing in a free Korean movie (HK release) if you order 3 Korean DVDs. The freebie title changes about every month or so. Right now, it is "Quiet Family" which is pretty good.

So, what I do is make a list comparing YesAsia to KoreanDVDs and place two orders, taking advantage of the pricing and bonuses to get the best overall deal.

Oh, I recommend that you sign up for the KoreanDVDs e-mail newsletter. He tips you off to the upcoming sales, and is usually very enjoyable to read. The half-mangled English can be a hoot sometimes, but I give the guy credit for trying very hard to run a good business with good service.

Thanks for the info divemaster

look here for a nice digipak case:

http://www.dvdasian.com/cgi-bin/dvdasian/17026.html

$22 R2 Japanese release on 3/25/04... still no english subtitles, though...

http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=DZ-1032